Search age:

Search in:

Cyclists Rogers says he's innocent

Roger Vaughan

Suspended Australian cyclist Michael Rogers insists he never knowingly took clenbuterol and will try to clear his name.

Cycling's world governing body the UCI announced on Thursday that the three-time world time trial champion and Olympic bronze medallist had tested positive to the banned substance.

Roger has released a statement, protesting his innocence.

"I would like to make it very clear, in the strongest terms possible that I have never knowingly or deliberately ingested clenbuterol," he said.

Advertisement

"In the following weeks I will have the opportunity to explain this unfortunate situation to the UCI, in which I will give my full attention and cooperation to resolve this issue in the quickest time frame possible."

Rogers tested positive after winning the Japan Cup on October 20, days after competing at the Tour of Beijing.

"During the period October 8-17, before arriving in Japan, I was present in China for the World Tour race, Tour of Beijing," he said.

"I understand that it has been acknowledged by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as well as other anti-doping bodies, that food contaminated with clenbuterol is a serious problem in China."

Rogers' teammate at Saxo-Tinkoff Alberto Contador also tested positive to clenbuterol at the 2010 Tour de France.

Contador argued that the positive result was due to contaminated meat, but his appeal failed and had to serve a ban.